by Lili Zander
I’m willing to bet everything I own that Cax is not going to come looking for me tonight in my quarters in Ashara. No strip poker games for me. If I know him at all, he’ll be blaming himself.
He’ll be alone in his house.
Not going to let that happen. Whether he likes it or not, we’re in this together.
Hurux is already at Cax’s place. He gives me a look of fond exasperation. “I should have guessed,” he says ruefully. “I should have put you on an evacuation ship myself.”
“You could have tried that, yes. I would have kneed you in the groin.” I walk past him and go to my food-syn, still on the counter. After the day we’ve had, beer seems like a really good idea. “Besides, can I point out the obvious? You haven’t evacuated either.”
“Did you really think I was going to?”
“Pot calling the kettle black much?” I retort. He looks confused, and so I clarify the expression. “I’m just saying, there’s a double-standard here. Why do I have to leave when you get to stay?” I take a sip of my lager. It’s cold and delicious. Perfection. I swear this food-syn is getting better with each use. “Want a beer?”
“Don’t change the subject. You should evacuate because it would kill me if anything happened to you.”
“Really?” I beam up at him. “What a nice thing to say. Thank you.”
He heaves a sigh. “I should take you back to Ashara.”
“You’ve never been kneed in the groin, have you? Maybe it’s not painful for Draekons. If you’re human, it hurts like the devil. Or so people tell me.” I stare at him. “Hurux, I’m not going, so stop trying to make me. This whole thing was my fault. I’m the one who kept nagging you guys about Raiht’vi.”
“It’s not your fault.” Cax’s voice takes me by surprise. I hadn’t even heard his skimmer pull up. “It’s mine. You called me high-handed the first day we met, and you were right. I thought I could control everyone and everything. I was sure I could manage this situation.” He shakes his head. “Silu died because of my hubris. Now, so is this planet, and with it, my city.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Before I can say something, Hurux cuts in. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” he says. “Are you forgetting that we were all involved with the decision to let Raiht’vi leave? All three of us.”
I nod. “None of us thought Arax wanted to be High Emperor. None of us could have predicted what he’d say.”
Cax is not cheered. “I should have,” he says. “It’s my job to see all the possibilities.”
Olivia’s words about my brother come ringing back. Cax is doing exactly what I’ve done for the last year. He’s second-guessing himself.
“We did the right thing letting Raiht’vi leave,” I say firmly. “We couldn’t have foreseen Arax’s reaction. Now, we could spend all evening sitting around and feeling sorry for ourselves, or we could do something fun.”
Cax gives me a small smile. “Strip poker? What is strip poker, anyway?”
I grin. “I absolutely want to play strip poker with the two of you,” I tell them. “But before that, there’s something else. I’ve been waiting a really long time for this. Will you take me flying?”
Flying is brilliant. Flying to a secret lake and having sex on its banks? Even better.
I figure out Cax’s plan when he carries a pack out to the deck. Inside it are a blanket and a bundle of clothes.
“A blanket?” I ask, my eyebrow raised.
“It’s not obvious?” Cax’s glance travels up my body, slow and sexy.
Oh, it’s perfectly obvious. I’m not stupid. I just want to hear them say it.
“The blanket,” Cax continues, “Is just good planning. In case it’s cold when we stop.” His lips curl into a smirk. “Or if you want to… lie down.”
He drops to his knees, calling on his dragon, as does Hurux. A minute later, both my mates have transformed. God, they’re beautiful. I’m never going to get enough of this.
Dragon-Hurux lowers his head and crouches low. I clamber up, marveling at his glossy, copper-green scales. I can almost see my reflection in them. He swings his neck around to make sure I’m seated. I settle myself between two of his spikes and hold on tight, beaming widely. I’m so excited. I’ve been wanting to do this forever.
Dragon-Cax checks to make sure I’m secure, then takes off in flight, the pack clutched between his claws, his wings shimmering in the late evening sun.
Hurux’s wings unfurl as well, and he flaps them hard, the force driving us straight into the air. Dust rises. For a few instants, all I hear is the sound of his wings beating the air and the blood rushing in my ears, and then we’re gliding, smooth and easy, soaring through the sky in Cax’s wake.
I bite my lip to keep from whooping out loud. Up here the world stretches out, the violent colors of the alien forest clashing with the strange sky. Our shadow glides below us. To the right, a herd of animals panics and runs.
A fierce joy fills me. “That’s right, run,” I murmur. I can’t help it; I love being with the biggest, baddest predator in the sky.
Hurux’s sides rumble with a dragon chuckle.
We fly for a long time, tracing the route of the river until we arrive at a clearing. Following Cax’s lead, Hurux spirals downward lazily and lands beside a low pool fed by a towering waterfall.
I slide off. Both Draekons shimmer back to people-form. Once again, I ogle shamelessly, at least until Cax takes a spare change of clothes from his pack and gets dressed. “Not fair,” I pout.
He chuckles. “You’re fully dressed,” he points out.
We don’t talk about the future. We don’t talk about tomorrow. As the sun slowly sets, we eat the meal Cax has packed and drink sarinth liquor, and talk about nothing in particular. We talk about the places we’ve been, and the things we’ve seen, and the things we want to see. We talk about Earth movies and Zorahn food, Makpi telepathy, and Adrashian technology. We talk about everything and nothing.
When it’s dark, Cax and Hurux get a fire going, and still, we linger by the lake. “So, Bryce,” Hurux says, when the two moons are high in the sky, his voice amused and affectionate. “Tell us about strip poker.”
I thought you’d never ask. “It’s a card game on Earth. Whoever has a losing hand, loses an item of clothing.”
An interested gleam appears in Cax’s eyes. “Go on.”
“That’s pretty much it.”
“What is a card game?” Hurux asks.
I shake my head. “You know, that research team really didn’t teach you about the important stuff.” I start to grin. “But that’s okay. We’ll play my version of strip poker.”
“What’s your version?”
I rise and strip out of my top. Their eyes snap to me. Smiling at them, I strike a sultry pose. “In my version of the game, the lady strips and the gentlemen poke her.”
What can I say? I inflict bad jokes on my family.
With a wink, I shimmy out of my pants and settle back down on the blanket. My mates join me, and we play the best version of strip poker in the history of the universe.
28
Cax
Six cloaked colony ships hang in orbit, hidden in the asteroid belt. If the order is given to destroy the prison planet, they will detect the signal and jump into deep space.
The city is empty.
Almost empty.
When Bryce, Hurux, and I arrive in the central square, three people greet us. Zunix, who was once Surax’s assistant. His mate, Olivia Buckner, who used to work for her government’s intelligence agency. And Liorax, their mate.
“I thought you could use some help,” Zunix says casually. “I tried to get the other two to leave, but of course, they wouldn’t listen.” He gives me a friendly grin. “I see you’ve run into the same problem.”
“Earth girls are stubborn,” Olivia says airily. She turns to Bryce. “Can you believe they thought I’d leave?”
“Not their brightest moment,” my mate replies with a st
raight face. “Okay, what’s the plan? When’s the big bad witch flying into town?”
Admit it, Cax. As much as you’d prefer Bryce to be safely on board one of the evacuation ships, you’re also glad she’s here. You’re glad Hurux is here.
I’ve always been attracted to Bryce. But this is more than attraction. What I’m feeling right now isn’t sexual. It’s just… togetherness. That feeling that there’s someone on your side. Someone who will stand next to you, hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to face your problems head-on.
Zunix might grumble, but he doesn’t for a second believe that Olivia and Liorax would leave him behind.
That’s the real gift of the mating bond. It’s not biology. It’s not the ability to transform into dragons. It’s this unshakable partnership.
I lace my fingers in Bryce’s. “Thank you. Thank you both.”
Hurux just grins. “Cax, you’re a pretty good bet. In five days, you’ve rescued Bryce, stolen my ships, disarmed my soldiers, brought the exiles to Ashara, saved the pregnant human woman, found a traitor, and uncovered the High Empire’s darkest secret. All while running a city at the same time.” His smile widens. “Ru’vi won’t know what hit her.”
Their faith in me is flattering but misplaced. I don’t have any answers, and I don’t have any last-minute tricks. I have no control over what’s going to happen.
Ru’vi ab Crosu’s ship lands in the Eastern Outpost. As soon as the ramp descends, the Spymaster of the High Empire marches out, her two aides a half-step behind her.
I’m there to greet her. “Welcome to Ashara.”
She gets right to the point. “This isn’t a social visit, Commander Cax. Shall we discuss the terms of Ashara’s surrender?”
“Going on the offensive right away.” I lead the way to the tent where we’re conducting negotiations. “That might work for other people, Spymaster, but spare me your intimidation tactics. I’ve seen them all.”
I push open the tent flap and gesture her in. She takes in the people already there wordlessly, and then she sits down at the head of the table. “You have me outnumbered.”
Ru’vi recruited Sarfax. Sarfax killed Silu. I don’t give a damn if she feels outnumbered or not. “Life can be rather unfair sometimes,” I say caustically. “And yet, we trudge on. Let’s get to business.”
Bryce hides her grin.
“Very well.” Ru’vi leans back in her chair. “The Imperial Navy possesses the capability to destroy this planet. Release Raiht’vi, and we’ll let you live.”
Zunix yawns loudly. “You know, Ru’vi, Dariux called you predictable, and he’s right. You come in here throwing threats around, but you’re on shaky ground, and you know it. If the citizens of the High Empire find out what you did to Arax, the galaxy will break out into a riot. Millions will die.”
“So what?” Her voice is flat and unconcerned.
She is a sociopath. No wonder Hurux refused to work for her. “You won’t be immune, Ru’vi. Lenox will sacrifice you to protect himself.”
She’s unfazed. “That’s where you’re wrong. Brunox was the one who developed a way to activate the mutation. Brunox got rid of Arax and Vulrux. Brunox will take the fall for this, not me.”
Fuck. It doesn’t matter if that’s the truth or not. The point is, it’s plausible. Brunox is definitely tainted, and Ru’vi is cunning enough to use this as a way of getting rid of a powerful rival.
She leans forward, her dark eyes boring into mine. “You think I don’t know how to protect myself? Lenox cannot burn me, Commander Cax. I know far too many of the High Emperor’s unsavory secrets.”
Her gaze flickers to Zunix. “Your wits have grown dull after sixty-five years of exile,” she says caustically. “Or should I blame your human mate?”
The problem is not with Zunix’s wits. It’s with Ru’vi’s lack of morality. Her complete disregard for life.
We’re not going to win today.
“Raiht’vi’s the only leverage you have,” she continues. “Give her up.”
Hurux answers for me. “Raiht’vi is not part of this negotiation.”
“No?” The Spymaster sneers. “What else do you have to offer?” Her eyes flicker to Bryce. “This is the unmated human, isn’t she? According to Sarfax, all the humans are mated except one. Offer her up as a gesture of good faith, and I will see that she is returned, unharmed, to her own planet.”
I will see the galaxy burn before I give up my mate. “No.”
“Why are you wasting my time?” Ru’vi snaps. “You bring me here to negotiate, and you have nothing to offer? No humans, no Raiht’vi, no proof connecting Lenox to Arax’s exile?” She gets to her feet. “We’re done here. Cax, I was promised safe passage.”
“You’ll get it,” I say reluctantly.
How quickly will the High Empire fire? Ru’vi’s ship will need to clear the blast zone before they destroy us. Will we have time to get out?
The odds are low. But it’s our only chance.
Or is it?
Just as Ru’vi rises, the tent flap opens.
And Arax walks in.
“Sit down, Ru’vi,” he says curtly. “Let’s talk about what’s going to happen.”
I’d like to say that the negotiations go smoothly after that, but I’d be lying.
“You renounce your claim to the throne,” Ru’vi says to Arax. “You accept Lenox as the legitimate ruler of the High Empire. You, or anyone acting on your behalf, can never reveal the secret of the Draekon activation.”
Arax’s eyes are hard. “And in exchange, there will be no attacks on this planet, and no further attempts to retrieve the human women. Very well. Leave us in peace, and I will renounce the throne.”
“And your successors?”
“I can’t speak for them. This agreement is between Lenox and me.”
“That’s not acceptable,” Ru’vi says at once.
Hurux narrows his eyes. “Rethink that statement, Spymaster. Lenox does not have any younglings. In his lifetime, he will rule without fear of his brother, the rightful High Emperor, claiming the throne. This is the offer, and it’s a good one. Take it or leave it.”
She’s going to make the deal. She is difficult to read, but her aides are not, and they’re radiating relief. Still, Ru’vi keeps pushing. “What about Raiht’vi?”
“Raiht’vi has changed her allegiances,” I tell her. “She left the planet with Tarish.” I give her a feral smile. “You do know Tarish, don’t you?”
Her face turns red. “You let the rebellion take her?” she explodes. “She knows everything. Brunox’s secret labs, Arax’s rigged testing, the circumstances surrounding High Emperor Dravex’s death… And you let her go? What have you done?”
“What was always necessary.” I stare right back at her. “The three of you, Lenox, Brunox, and yourself, have been unchecked for too long.”
Arax clears his throat. “Are we making a deal, Ru’vi?” he asks bluntly. “Or would you rather see me return to the Homeworld and press my claim?”
Tarish is about to make Lenox’s life extremely difficult. This is a battle that cannot be fought on multiple flanks. Ru’vi knows she’s beaten. She nods stiffly. “Yes,” she says. “We have a deal.”
I give Ru’vi a pleasant smile. “Just in case you think of changing your mind once you’re airborne, I should mention that this conversation has been recorded. Copies of it have been sent all over the galaxy. If something happens to this planet, the entire High Empire will see this conversation.”
One of the aides shakes his head. “There’s no tech here. I would be able to detect it.”
One of these days, the High Empire is going to realize that their tech is a generation behind ours. I push my comm across the desk. “Don’t take my word for it.”
Ru’vi takes a look at the screen. She knows everything. Brunox’s secret labs, Arax’s rigged testing, the circumstances surrounding High Emperor Dravex’s death…
I lean back in my chair. “It would
be such a shame for the citizens of the High Empire to find out what their leaders are capable of. And this time, I don’t think Lenox’s goodwill will be enough to protect you.”
She’ll honor the agreement. For now. With Raiht’vi joining the rebellion, she has too many other things to worry about.
In the long run, Ashara needs a new planet to hide on. It’s a good thing I’m no longer administrator. Finding a new home is going to take some time.
When it’s all over, when the colony ships return, and people are safe in their homes again, the three of us—Bryce, Hurux, and me— approach Arax. “What made you change your mind?” I ask him.
He gestures to the woman at his side. “Viola kicked sense into me,” he says ruefully. “She told me she never wanted to be High Empress. Called it nonsense.”
Viola Lewis, Arax’s mate, waves away the praise. “I’m a botanist,” she says. “I’m happiest when I’m growing something. I have dirt under my fingernails all the time, and I like it that way. Besides,” she places her hand on her belly. “Our baby is going to be a Draekon-human hybrid. I don’t want him or her growing up in a place that’s obsessed with blood purity. I don’t want my child to ever feel lesser.”
“Thank you.”
Arax grimaces. “No need for thanks, Commander Cax. It is I who owes you an apology. You made the right decision, and I was too caught up in my own past to see that.”
Hang on a minute. An idea strikes me out of nowhere. “Exactly how sorry are you?”
He raises his eyebrow. “Why do I have a feeling you’re plotting something?”
Bryce laughs softly. “Because he is, of course. That’s what Cax does. What is it?”
Korum’s not ready to become administrator of Ashara, and after Silu’s death, I’m not sure he even wants the job. Babbuq is next on the line of succession, but he’s still too inexperienced.
Ashara deserves a strong administrator. One who will stand up to the senators when needed.
And I’m looking at someone who grew up knowing that he would rule an empire one day. Someone who knows how to navigate fractious Senators. Someone with the spine and the training to stand up to Ulle.
